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Project managers can choose from a variety of popular project management software to facilitate their work. Rather than relying on a variety of disconnected spreadsheets, task managers, and email clients, you can keep all your communications, files, and tasks in a central location. The Internet makes project management possible by integrating remote and local users on a centralized software platform.
Professional project managers have many options available to them, including cloud-based tools, software installed on local computers, and hybrid programs that have online and computer-based components. With so many available options, you will likely find one suitable for your organization. Here you will learn about three top project management tools that have the most to offer.
Asana
Use a template to start a new project in Asana and get ready to track your progress and improve your efficiency. Regardless of whether you need to maintain a list of ideas or track milestones on your task list, you can use Asana to help you finish the job. Even if you cannot find a template that fits your needs, you can start with a blank sheet and create your project from scratch.
Within the application, you can create tasks, divide them into sub-tasks and assign them to different people along with due dates, project files, and comments. A calendar provides a visual overview of your projects, and an inbox keeps you informed of updates and changes. Asana syncs with Outlook and Google Calendar, so you never have to miss an important date.
Applications that integrate with Asana include Chrome, Github, and Slack. The app also has a built-in feature for choosing files from Google Drive and Dropbox. You can provide guest access to your system for use with partners and contractors, so they can directly input information into relevant projects.
Teams with fewer than fifteen members can use Asana without charge. Large groups and private teams can choose premium plans for $8.33 or less. With the paid service, you can create unlimited numbers of dashboards, access SSO & SAML, and centralized administration. Paid customers also can access the Asana Customer Success Program. Users can access the application through Web browsers and mobile devices that run Android or iOS operating systems.
Microsoft Project
Work from anywhere, allocate resources, manage teams and schedule tasks using Microsoft Project. The robust project management app provides resource and what-if planning, scenario evaluation, as well as collaboration tools. You can also manage teams, schedules, timelines and highlight task paths in Gantt charts.
Highlights:
Some of the most notable features of Microsoft Project include:
- Task planning insights
- Resource allocation
- Multiple timeline views
- Built-in progress reports including Burndown and Resource Overview
- Communication tools
Within the app, you can copy and paste from Project to Office apps using standard Microsoft keyboard shortcuts. You also can change labels and styles and customize layouts. Office.com and the Office Store have add-ins that you can download to make the application meet your needs. Firms that have precise requirements can benefit from the Project SDK, which programmers can use to create custom features.
Microsoft Project comes either as a standalone application, as a part of some of the many Office 365 plans you can choose from or it can be added to the subscription later from. You can buy the software for a one-time price of $589, or you can get the Project Pro version that also works in conjunction with an Office 365 subscription for a $25 per user monthly charge. Project runs on Windows, Mac OS or in Web browsers.
Basecamp
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, small businesses, and workgroups can use Basecamp to manage projects of any size. Simple navigation tools and available templates give your projects a quick start. You can post messages directly inside the application, eliminating the need for external emails. The app also lets you share files, documents, images, and designs with clients and team members.
A Me screen allows you to see all your projects, tasks, activities, and messages at a glance, You can create to-do lists and set task deadlines, so you can complete your projects on time. You can get Basecamp for use on Mac and Windows, for $29 per month for internal teams. You also gain access to 100 GB of online storage for your files. If you want to use the version that provides for client communication, you must pay $79 per month.
ProjectManager
Plan out every step of your project, assign tasks to resources, manage risks, track progress, and store files with ProjectManager.com. The software is cloud based so you and your team can collaborate and work on your project from just about anywhere. Just make sure you have an internet connection.
You and your team members can collaborate fairly easily by commenting on items in the home screen. It’s pretty simple to other social collaborations platforms. You can also upload important files for other team members to download and send back edits from instead of emailing them back and forth. You can get ProjectManager.com starting at $25 a user per month, but the prices vary based on the amount of users you want to add.
Author bio: John Porter is a Southampton-based freelance writer and a techie especially interested in all sorts of mobile apps and gadgets.
Twitter: John Porter@johnpourter
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Helps keep me organized and engaged. I actually use all 3 tools. I use Asana mostly to share my tasks and progress with my team.
After reading your article,i taught my fellow colleagues on how to create tasks, divide them into sub-tasks. And after assigning them to different people to project files, and comments. It has really worked well. Thanks for sharing this article.